The Topaz Procedure (or Topaz MicroDebrider) is a minimally invasive, state-of-the-art procedure used to treat chronic Achilles Tendonitis and Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Topaz is intended for patients who have not received satisfactory symptom relief from more conservative treatments, such as orthotics, physical therapy, stretching, massage or injections.

What you gain from UFAI’s years of experience

While other practices advertise Topaz as “the latest and greatest,” we’ve been researching and helping its development for 10 years. As a result, we have superior experience getting our patients the very best outcome using the Topaz technology. We have also been involved in several advanced research projects that use the Topaz probe for other foot and ankle ailments. It is a very exciting technology.

How does the Topaz procedure work?

The entire process takes only 20 minutes, and is performed in a hospital using intravenous sedation anesthetic (you are asleep but breathing on your own). Your doctor places the Topaz wand, which looks like a sewing needle, into the affected fascia or tendon for just a half-second. Then, the wand is moved about a quarter-inch and pushed in again. This action is repeated until a grid-like pattern is formed around the affected area.

The Topaz wand uses cobalation technologies, which are radio frequency waves that gently cause microscopic “trauma” to the scar tissue your body hasn’t yet been able to heal. The procedure brings blood back to the affected area and restarts the healing process by increasing the growth factors in the damaged tissue region. The strategically placed Topaz wand greatly minimizes any damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Because the method is minimally invasive, recovery time from the Topaz procedure can be measured in weeks instead of months. After a week in a walking boot, most patients can begin wearing athletics shoes with orthotics.

What is the Success Rate?

The topaz treatment is successful 80% of the time. It’s important to note that the pain relief is not instantaneous and it may actually get worse before it gets better. However, once your recovery is complete, your pain is relieved and the tendon is back to normal. As long as you stretch the tendon and wear supportive shoes and/or orthotics, your condition should not recur.

Is Topaz Covered by any Insurance Plans?

Most insurance plans will cover the Topaz procedure. We have had it covered in our practice and are happy to help you should you require this procedure. Please note we did the initial clinical studies on the Topaz procedure and have extensive experience with it.

How UFAI Leads the Way

The podiatrists at University Foot and Ankle Institute are nationally recognized as experts in the treatment of chronic Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain. They pride themselves in offering the very latest treatment options and often assist in the development of advance technologies, including Topaz procedure.

Determining your best course of treatment begins with an analysis of your physical ailment, as well as assessing how your personal and professional demands impact your foot and ankle condition. Sometimes a patient’s lifestyle doesn’t allow for the amount of recovery time required for some treatments, such as those who cannot get enough time off their feet at work or professional athletes. UFAI doctors always take these factors into account when discussing treatments options and making recommendations.

If you are not getting adequate relief from your Plantar Fasciitis or heel pain, please call to setup a consultation. You and one of our friendly (and very experienced) doctors will review your current condition, the physical demands of your lifestyle and help you chart a course of action that gets you on the road to recovery.

Dr. Franson is my doc and I have had four surgeries. He fixed my toe, as my bones were not healing. He put his heart into fixing me up!

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My first appointment, Dr. Barvarian personally came out to the waiting room, introduced himself, and walked me back to examine my foot; but only after taking a detailed history of what I do for a living, when my injur...

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A note of thanks to you in the treatment of my foot. While I don't know the outcome yet. I would like you to know that I appreciate your expertise as well as your manner. I feel that I can connect with you, which is i...

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Mike G.

Best experience I've ever had. Gary Briskin is wonderful! Treated decently without stress! Learned that daily pain is unnecessary. My toes are gonna cry "Tee-hee-hee", all the way home. Thanks, Dr. Briskin; I can ...

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Dr. Bob is fantastic! He is such a caring, attentive, professional doctor who always walks into the room with a smile. I had 2 separate experiences that he treated me for. The first one was last summer when he diag...

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You are one of the best doctors, and have the best staff, that I have ever seen. If I ever have a serious foot problem, I'll feel so much better knowing about you.

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